The Maharashtra Land Records Department has launched a pilot project to measure and map subdivided land plots (sub-holdings) in selected areas of the state.

Over the years, many plots have been informally subdivided, creating mismatches between the 7/12 land ownership document and official cadastral maps. The project aims to record these subdivisions accurately.

A total of 18 talukas across six revenue divisions have been chosen for the initiative, including Pune, Palghar, Raigad, Thane, Solapur, Sangli, Dhule, Jalgaon, Chandrapur, and Kolhapur.

The work will be executed by private agencies, which are currently being finalised through a tendering process.

The office of the Pune District Collectorate convened a meeting with farmers and residents from villages in Purandar taluka whose land is proposed to be acquired for the new Purandar International Airport. The session, led by Jitendra Dudi, aimed to address farmer concerns about compensation, rehabilitation, and the future implications of the project. 

What Was Discussed: Farmers’ Concerns & Administration’s Assurances

During the meeting, many of the key issues raised by the affected landowners were heard carefully. These included: 

• Demand for fair land valuation and compensation

• Request for rehabilitation plots or housing for displaced families

• Compensation for ancillary assets: houses, wells, borewells, fruit-bearing trees, cattle sheds, etc.

• Requests for tax and stamp-duty exemptions, and other concessions for impacted families

• Assurance of transparent crop surveys and fair asset valuation for non-land assets like borewells, trees, and structures

• Consideration of employment opportunities or skill development for locals affected by the acquisition

Collector Dudi reassured the attendees that the administration would maintain transparency throughout the process — in land valuation, compensation disbursement, and rehabilitation. He also indicated that updates would be shared regularly. 

What Compensation Package is Being Offered (Proposed)

Earlier in November 2025, the administration proposed a base compensation of ₹1 crore per acre for the land being acquired under the airport project. Farmers are also being offered double compensation for on-site assets (houses, wells, pipelines, trees, etc.) along with 10% of developed land in the upcoming Aero-City for those who lose their homes. The offer also covers:

• 250 sq m residential plots in the planned Aerocity zone for those whose homes are acquired.

• Compensation for becoming landless or small land-holders under the relevant provisions.

Land Consent and Survey Status

As of September 2025, the administration claims to have secured consent from nearly 90% of the required landowners, covering around 2,700 acres out of 3,000 acres needed for the project. 

What’s at Stake for Farmers & Locals

Thousands of rural families are waiting for justice and clarity regarding the more than 3,000 acres in seven villages designated for acquisition. Not only are landowners impacted, but many people who depend on small holdings, livestock, and agriculture are as well.

Fair compensation, an open process, rehabilitation, and the preservation of livelihoods are still at stake, even though the airport project promises urbanisation and development. 

Residents of Bhugaon's Forest Trails Township have expressed grave concerns about what they see as unlawful construction occurring on property designated as an (NDZ) No-Development Zone.

What the Residents Are Saying

According to the Forest Trails Welfare Association (FTWA), heavy machinery and construction materials have been transported into the area despite clear restrictions on development. The land in question falls under the Bhugaon Development Plan (DP), which designates portions of the area as Forest, Bio-Diversity Park (BDP), or No-Development Zone.

Residents argue that:

• A truckload of red soil was dumped on the NDZ land.

• This activity happened near the Daffodil building within the township.

• The work was halted only after residents confronted the workers.

• FTWA had already filed an official complaint with PMRDA in December 2020 regarding earlier attempts at construction.

Reserved Land Must Not Be Altered

Under the Bhugaon DP, certain open spaces are meant to be preserved as natural buffers, ensuring sustainable development. Residents emphasise that any alteration— even levelling land or dumping soil— can permanently damage the area’s ecology.

The concern is not only environmental. Residents also worry that:

• Unauthorised construction may set a dangerous precedent.

• Builders may later claim that “work has already begun” to justify future permissions.

• PMRDA’s alleged inaction could undermine public trust in planning authorities.

What Paranjape Builders Have Explained

Representatives of Paranjape Schemes have clarified that:

• The land belongs to the builder, but as per the Development Plan, it is officially classified as open land.

• A compound wall has been constructed around the bungalow plots to protect the property.

• The soil-filled area was cleaned solely for maintenance, and no construction has been carried out.

• They claim they have complied with the DP and assert that no development work has violated the law.

PMRDA’s Position

PMRDA officials have stated that:

• They will investigate the issue raised by residents.

• Any construction in the No-Development Zone is strictly prohibited.

• Action will be taken if any violation is confirmed.

However, residents argue that despite multiple complaints over the years, no visible steps have been taken to prevent further attempts at altering the land.

Why This Issue Matters

Bhugaon lies on the outskirts of Pune and is part of a region rich in biodiversity. Illegal hill cutting, soil dumping, and construction have long-term effects such as:

• Soil erosion

• Change in natural drainage patterns

• Loss of green cover

• Increased environmental vulnerability

Residents believe that protecting these buffer zones is essential for the ecological health of Pune’s western corridor.

The Maharashtra State Government has approved the allocation of 8,015 square feet of land on Senapati Bapat Road for the construction of a new Pune Press Club building, which is a major development for the city's media community. For journalists and media professionals operating throughout the city, this long-pending proposal represents a significant accomplishment.

A Big Boost for Media Infrastructure

For years, Pune’s press community has been functioning from limited facilities. The newly approved land parcel will allow the Press Club to create a modern, upgraded space that can support:

• Press conferences
• Media events
• Training programs
• Community and public dialogues
• Journalist welfare initiatives

Prime Location Selected

One of Pune's most strategically significant thoroughfares, Senapati Bapat Road, is where the allotted land is located. SB Road, which is well-known for its business, corporate, and cultural significance, also guarantees:

• Better connectivity for journalists
• Easy access for government officials & public figures attending media events
• A prestigious location for an institution representing the media community
• The location is also close to major government offices, educational institutions, news bureaus, and corporate headquarters.

Government Approval After Long Wait

The approval comes after years of follow-ups and representations by Pune’s press associations. Journalists have long stressed the need for a well-equipped press club that matches the growth of Pune as a major metropolitan and media centre.
The government’s decision reflects an acknowledgement of the key role played by the press in:

• public accountability
• information dissemination
• social dialogue
• strengthening democracy

Expected Impact

1. Journalists & Media Staff
2. Public & Administrative Systems
3. Real Estate & Local Economy
4. Civic Transparency

A Step Toward a Stronger Press Community

This approval is seen as a step in the right direction toward bolstering Pune's press institutions and assisting media professionals. Building planning, design approvals, and construction schedules will follow the finalisation of the land allocation.

The Maharashtra Revenue Department has made a landmark decision: digital land records such as the 7/12 extract, 8-A extract and mutation (ferfar) extracts will now be legally valid without requiring a physical signature or stamp from the village talathi. Instead, these documents will carry a digital signature, a QR code, and a unique 16-digit verification number.

What Does This Mean for Land Owners?

• Instant online access: Citizens can now download their land records from the official portal in just a few clicks — no need to visit the talathi’s office or wait in long queues. The records cost a nominal fee (₹15) for a digital extract.

• Legally valid documents: The digitally signed extracts are now accepted across all government departments, banks, courts, registration offices, and other authorities for official use.

• Better transparency & security: With digital verification features (signature + QR code + 16-digit ID), the scope of forgery or tampering is significantly reduced. It’s a move toward building a more trustworthy, corruption-resistant land record system.

Why The Change Was Needed

Traditionally, obtaining valid land records in Maharashtra meant physically visiting the talathi’s office—a process often plagued by delays, bureaucratic hassles, and, at times, unofficial middlemen. Manual signatures and stamps left room for tampering or fraudulent documents. Many property transactions got stuck or delayed due to outdated or unclear records.

What Titles & Extracts Are Covered

• 7/12 extract (Satbara Utara) — the essential land record extract showing ownership and land-use status.

• 8-A extract (also known as “Khata” in some regions) — summarises a landowner’s rights, liabilities, and revenue payment history.

• Mutation / Ferfar extract — records changes in ownership due to sale, inheritance, gift or other legal transfers.

Who Benefits from This Reform?

• Home-buyers and land investors — easier access to legit documentation without delays or paperwork hassles.

• Farmers and rural landowners — instant access to agricultural land records, reducing dependence on intermediaries.

• Banks, financial institutions, and courts make property verification easier for loans, disputes, and legal proceedings.

• General public — increased transparency and fewer chances of fake or forged documents.

What You Should Do Next If You Hold Land in Maharashtra

1. Visit the official portal (e.g. the state’s land-records website, e.g., “MahaBhoomi”).

2. Download your latest 7/12, 8-A or Mutation extract — costs just ₹15.

3. Verify the digital signature, QR code and 16-digit code to confirm authenticity.

4. Use these digital documents for bank loans, property transfer, registrations, legal work, etc.

5. Keep digital copies safe — they are now legally valid and equivalent to physical documents under the new rules.

In a major shake-up for land buyers and investors, the Pune and wider Maharashtra authorities have tightened documentation requirements for the sale and registration of deals involving fragmented/small plots. This will put an end to decades of irregular and informal land dealings and protect buyers from legal and financial risks.

What’s Changed: New Mandatory Documents

• Affidavit & Zone Certificate compulsorily required: Under the newly implemented amendments, sale deeds for small or previously fragmented plots must include a valid zone certificate confirming the land's approved use and an affidavit confirming that all legal and regulatory norms are met.

• Strict verification before registration: Sub-registrars in the Pune district have been instructed not to register any land transactions without the property card and updated 7/12 extract. 

• Fragmentation-related legal changes: Recently, the state government repealed or relaxed portions of the “Fragmentation and Consolidation of Holdings Act” in urban and semi-urban zones, thereby making many small parcels legal.

Together, the steps turn what was often an informal or risky purchase into a more regulated, safer investment — but only if all documents are in order.

Why This Matters for Buyers & Investors

The reforms carry several advantages — and also new responsibilities for anyone buying land or plots:

• Clear, verifiable title deeds
• Protection from illegal or grey-area deals
• Better resale & development potential
• Regularisation for long-term security

 Who This Impacts

• First-time purchasers of plots

• Investors in Pune's surrounding semi-urban areas

• Regularising previous land transactions

• Developers looking for well-documented, clean plots 

Final Word

The new regulations have, therefore, made buying land in Pune and Maharashtra all the more transparent and secure. Proper verification, clean documentation, and understanding of zoning rules can save buyers from long-term legal and financial issues. A good development for serious investors, but also a reason why due diligence is more important than ever.

Source - Punekar News